There are several different types of French Normandy houses, each with their own distinct characteristics. Some of the most common types include:
1. Château: These grand and expansive houses are often associated with French Normandy architecture. They typically feature symmetrical façades, steep-pitched roofs, turrets, and large windows. Châteaux were historically owned by the French nobility and landowners.
2. Manoir: A manor house, the manoir is a slightly smaller variant of the château. It often includes similar features such as turrets, half-timbered walls, and a steep slate roof.
3. Maison de Maître: This type of house is typically found in smaller towns or rural areas. Maison de Maître houses are more modest than châteaux or manoirs, but still retain some French Normandy architectural elements, including half-timbered walls, tall windows, and slate roofs.
4. Fermette: Literally translated as "small farm," the fermette is a more rustic style of French Normandy house. These houses are often characterized by their thatched roofs, exposed stone or brick walls, and timber framing.
5. Colombage: This style, also known as half-timbered, is characterized by visible wooden beams and posts that create a decorative pattern on the façade. Colombage houses can be found throughout France, including the Normandy region.
These are just a few examples, and there can be variations within each type. French Normandy houses, regardless of the specific style, often feature elements such as steep roofs, asymmetrical designs, half-timbered walls, and a mix of stone or brick with wood.
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